SB 1001 prohibits public utilities that are the sole provider in their service area from including advertising expenses in their operating costs when calculating customer rates. The bill defines "advertising" broadly but excludes specific communications, such as energy conservation information, billing inserts, appliance efficiency promotions, and required safety notices. These excluded items can still be included in rate calculations without restriction. The law takes effect on November 1, 2025, directly affecting electric, gas, and telecommunications utilities operating as sole providers in Oklahoma.
HB 2115 transfers administration of Oklahoma's Energy Conservation Assistance Fund from the Department of Commerce to the Department of Human Services. It provides grants of up to $3,000 for weatherization work (like insulation, storm windows, and structural repairs) to low-income elderly and handicapped homeowners who meet income guidelines (125% of federal poverty level). The bill requires an energy audit before grants are issued, prioritizes applicants with greatest need, and establishes a revolving fund for ongoing program funding. This directly affects qualifying homeowners seeking energy efficiency improvements to their primary residences.
SB 614 requires the Oklahoma Department of Commerce to publish and annually update on its website information about energy efficiency incentive programs. This directly affects households, businesses, local governments, tribal entities, and retail energy providers by making program details publicly accessible. Key provisions include listing ongoing programs for residential and multi-family housing, as well as providing retail energy provider territorial boundaries and designated contacts for program implementation. The bill transfers oversight of energy conservation programs from the Oklahoma Corporation Commission to the Department of Commerce, effective November 1, 2025.
SB 619 requires large industrial energy users in Oklahoma (those exceeding 75 kWh/sq ft/year or 70,000 BTU/sq ft/year of electricity or energy usage) to submit biennial efficiency plans to the Oklahoma Department of Commerce. These plans must detail strategies to improve energy efficiency and methods to offset up to 50% of annual energy use through renewable production. All submitted plans will be published on a public website. The bill takes effect November 1, 2025.
SB 1285 requires all new construction by Oklahoma state-funded entities (like agencies, universities, and career centers) to meet strict energy efficiency standards for heating, cooling, and building systems. It mandates minimum performance levels for heating systems (e.g., 90% efficiency for gas, banning electric resistance as primary heat), prioritizes geothermal systems, and requires life-cycle cost analysis over 25 years to select the most efficient options. The bill also requires integrated building control systems to monitor energy use and gives preference to licensed Oklahoma vendors and locally made HVAC equipment. These changes aim to reduce energy costs, promote renewable energy integration, and ensure state buildings meet verified efficiency benchmarks.
